Advantages

Reliability

Disadvantages

I've owned an MX5 for 7-months....best roadstar I've owned...EVER. I've had a spitfire. Herald convertible & Vitesse convertible - avoid all of these. Engine is superb, handling is stunning - cheap to run, insure etc and if something does go wrong....parts are peanuts. Oh and try to find any other roadstar that gives so much fun for a grand!! Which you'll basically get back if you sell....dont believe me...click here from EVO mag...headline says it all "....Mazda MX-5 mk1Deep regrets as our MX-5 moves on. The simple fact is, you really can't buy more fun for a grand....." :-http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evolongtermtests/245170/mazda_mx5_mk1.html

Comments

Advantages

Reliability

Disadvantages

Great car

My favourite car. I owned a Mazda MX5 1.6 for 3 years and it was simply a great car. Prior to buying it I read a few reviews saying that the 1.6 was sluggish - what rubbish! Mine was great, super quick, beautiful looking, really nippy little car. Possibly if you wanted to race it on a track it wouldn't keep up with the bigger engines, but for normal around town and motorway driving it was superb. I've had a few convertables and the roof on this one was far superior to any others I've driven. Fits perfectly, no drafts, even keeps the ice out on a cold winters day. I never felt the need to buy a hard top for it. Drives like a dream, really smooth and the whole car looks classy. Mine was a simpe midnight blue colour but was still a headturner. Always found it to be reasonably economical to drive - not a guzzler. Also feels very solid, not cheap and plastic like some other little sports cars. Boot size is what you would expect on a car this size, not massive but can easily get a weeks shopping or a couple of overnight bags in there. I have been told however that it won't take a full set of golf clubs!The paintwork on the mazda is also excellent, I had no rust or fading, proved when I damaged a colour coded wing mirror when the car was nearly5 years old and the new replacement was a perfect colour match to the original paintwork.I owned mine for 3 years and had no mechanical problems at all, only sold it as I was starting a family. Overall a great car.

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

Cheap, reliable, hardwearing and looks fab!

This is my review of what was my first, and best first car. Fun, fun and more fun is the foundations this is built on. And prettyness too :)

My model was a mk1 1991 Mazda Mx-5 Eunos 1.6, and even though it was an old car, the excellent mazda build quality was still there making sure it lasted years until I got another beauty of a car.

DESIGN

In terms of the design, it's all been considered. The roof is easy to open with one hand, ideal for those days when the rains tops (sometimes) and the sun beats down- you can quickly shove back the roof for a bit of convertible pleasure.

BUILD QUALITY

No faults here for me. All the electrics worked and in terms of revs, this was fantastic, very 'nippy' so great for city and country driving alike.

ECONOMY

The fuel tank is quite small on a Mazda 1.6, with a fill of around £30 per tank (this was a few years ago mind) but around 350km in driving power for that cost, so in terms of economy, for it's looks and compared to others, this is a good spend.

THE DRIVE

As mentioned, this is a very nippy car. It has a well balanced rear wheel drive - meaning you can have fun on roundabouts and control with ease.The ride is hard, but not too hard, just as you would expect from a sports car model, and the seats are low to the ground, a bit like a racing kart- which although sometimes bumpy makes for a thrilling ride!

RELIABILITY:

I can't fault it on my experirnce, this is a very reliable car even with a 60mile daily commute- no problems in 17 months of ownership, I'm proud to say.

COMPARISONS:Comparing the car to others in same price bracket - the main competitor of this make would be the mg f, which is quicker but far more likely to breakdown, has a higher driving position, poor gas suspension and poor build quality. Overall this wins thanks to it's driving tyle, design and the pure quality of crafting behind it.

WOULD I BUY AGAIN?

Yes.

COSTS:The price bracket for these cars range from a cheap and cheerful £500 for a simple and old version, or to a still decent £2000 for a decentish mk1.

ADD ONS AND TIPS:

If the mx-5 isn't quick enough for you, you can get them with turbos fitted for a little more oomph as you go, this will cost more, but can suit racers interested in more thrills.

Comments

Advantages

Reliability

Disadvantages

Awesome, reliable, practical, exhilerating!

In 2008, after many years of wanting to return to his Triumph Spitfire days, and upon his retirement, my father bought himself a new 1800cc Mazda MX-5 roadster coupe. Having driven it down some country lanes on Boxing Day last year, I knew I had to join the MX-5 family!!!

I am a long-legged, proportionately built, 5'11", 31 year old male. There is ample room for me, and the driving position is perfect, all the controls at your fingertips, with the possible exception of the wing mirror controls.

The notchy, close-ratio six speed box and light clutch offer both smooth gear changes, awesome acceleration, and excellent fuel economy, regularly achieving 35mpg, without driving like an eco-warrior. Steering is precise, yet offers plenty of driver feedback. This car has traction control and a limited slip differential which all aid the car's superb handling as a competent driver can whip it round the country lanes, staying on the correct side of the road, and experiencing virtually no body roll. The only negative, if you desperately want to find a negative, is that at slower speeds you feel every catseye because of the stiff suspension...

Roof down, or roof up, the BOSE stereo (with six disc in-dash changer) offers phenomenal sound quality at both low and high levels with no distortion. So bass lovers and those who appreciate a little Mozart should be equally at home in this car.

If you drop the windows fully you do get a little battered with the top down, but with the windows half up, and the rear wind deflector raised you can carry on a normal conversation with your passenger and in freezing cold weather, the heater and heated leather seats will keep you both warm and comfortable - EVEN in a short sleeved shirt!!! The car is well streamlined and if you are unlucky enough to be caught on the motorway with the top down in a rain shower, you will only get wet when you slow or stop... and then it takes about 3 seconds maximum to pull the hood up, and clip it in place.

People complain about the lack of practicallity, but if you compare this to the Toyota MR2, or even the more larger Porsche Boxster, then this car offers oodles of practicallity. The boot is spacious enough for two people's luggage - unless you are married to Victoria Beckham - and there are lockers and cubby holes a plenty.

If you want a 2 seater sports car that is going to offer superb handling, more than satisfactory acceleration and a decent top end, plenty of comfort features, practicality, style, value for money, future held value, and the exhileration of open top motoring, coupled with JDM rock-solid build quality and reliability, then look no further... and it's not expensive to insure or tax either!!!

A true winner all round, and the closest you will come to Brit 60s sports motoring in the 21st Century!

Comments

Advantages

Reliability

Disadvantages

Very realiable and the thrill is free.

What can I say about my baby. My husband brought her in 2003 as a surprise birthday present for me "right I can hear you moan" well in my defense we had just sold a business we had run for 14 years, 7 days a week with 2 holidays and raised a son, so I think the present was well deserved.

Anyway I have never understood men and their love of cars but this was something else. For years I had joked on my birthday "Have you brought me a sports car" and as you have already guessed the answer NO.

So on this particular birthday I opened my card and found a key inside with a message. look outside. Shock is an understatement I was speechless (no mean feat) there she was, a Classic Red soft top, five years old but perfect, it was love at first sight between me and Priscilla (don't' ask me where the name come from) she was just Priscilla and I loved her.

Its now been 6 years and I still love her, she has only had 2 new tyres in this time frame, passed her mot every year and only needed the AA once, which was my fault because I failed to close the door properly and the battery was flat.

If I am having a bad day I get into Priscilla and instantly feel better, she still gets smiles from strangers when she rides past and I always laugh when I get out nearly on all fours these days as I am getting old and decrepit.

She has a 1600 engine and handles like a dream, she can corner in third gear and pulls away elegantly at traffic lights and junctions. She is very cheap on petrol, so if you are looking for a bit of class, reliability and makes you feel wonderful, not too expensive to run, then this is your type of car.

The only draw backs I have found are if you are tall you would not drive this car with any comfort, my son who 6' 3" has his Knees in his chest. And the roof on my model can be trickey to pull back on, I don't have a problem as I do not take it off unless a very hot day.

Comments

Advantages

Reliability

Disadvantages

No bad things really with this car, except thring to drive over speed bumps!

Now here is a review i have been saving!.I bought my 15 year old Mazda MX-5 convertible 6 months ago now, and i have been thinking very hard of what to write here. I decided to start with this...No review of this car can possible be negative, its just positive in every way.My MX-5 is the 1.6i Convertible, i bought it stock and have added a few bits on, but il review it firstly, as it was stock, how easy it was to upgrade, and what it is like now..I actually travelled 100 miles up to London after bidding for the car on ebay, i thought it was a steal at only £900.For this i got the car as it was, with no CD player or speakers...but it did have power steering (life saver)! The sunroof was new and everything worked fine, including the air conditioning.So i drove it home at a steady 70mph with no troubles, not even straining the engine, leveling just around 3000rpm, great!The petrol tank took nearly empty to full around £30 and that would have got me there and back, averaging £15 per 100 miles.I actually drove home with the roof down, its a manual roof but takes only seconds to put up and down..Next week i begun my project.I had a new custom bonnet put on with \"viper\" holes, and bought new alloys (black). I replaced the HT leads in the engine for high performance ones and put 2 x 4\" stainless steel exhausts on the back. then added an induction kit and a \"mazda\" sunscreen to the windscreen.then it was resprayed gun gray. Finally i added racing shocks and lowered the car almost to the ground.Now the car is faster, lower and looks 100 times better!The 2 seater is perfect for me to take out my girlfriend and have a bit of privacy with a lot of room!with the roof down i can see all round the entire car and park in the smallest of spaces.Great in the sun, watertight in the winter, its great!i do have to say i would recommend the car to anyone!!

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

-

Back in the early 80s, Mazda decided that they wanted to come up with something new....a modern sports car that was affordable, exceptional fun to drive, yet cheap to maintain.

A design competition was held between Mazda North America and Mazda Tokyo to see who could come up with the best idea.

The Japanese proposal was a coupe whereas the concept of the North Americans was a roadster.

The judges were won over by the American design and by 1985, the first prototype had been built in England. The response to this new car was huge, production went into full swing and the first completed car rolled off the production line in 1989.

The Mazda MX-5 was born!

Mazda had created a car that has turned out to be the most successful and popular modern sports car. A big achievement considering the number of cars that are on the market. The MX-5 has gained the status of a 'motoring icon'.

Mention the MX-5 and most people will picture the car having pop-up headlights as this is a trait of the earlier models. It wasn't until 1998 that a face lift was applied and the newer style with integrated headlights emerged.

It is in fact this later model that I am reviewing - a year 2000 'W' reg (MK2) to be precise!

I never imagined myself owning a car like the MX-5 but it was made possible for me because of the fact that they are so affordable to buy in comparison to other convertibles. On the used market at the moment you can pick up a 'W' reg for approximately £10000, or the older style 'M' reg models are selling at round about £4000. Obviously prices vary depending on the usual factors such as mileage and added extras, but there are definitely some bargains to be had.

Although cheap to buy, they do in fact hold their value extremely well which is a bonus considering the current used car market.

Now, the car itself. I don't know where to start!.....

**EXTERIOR**

Vital statistics are: Length 406cm, width 168cm, height 123cm.

Everytime I look at my MX-5, I cant help but love it even more. For weeks I couldn't even believe that it was actually mine!

It is undoubtedly a really smart looking motor with curves in all the right places to accentuate certain features such as the headlights and boot mounted brake light. It's smooth, sleek but subtle bodywork makes it look extremely stylish and surprisingly elegant. Combined with the vinyl soft top, the result is an unusual partnership of a modern but classic sports car. Even after all these years it is still a head-turner!

There are also lots of lovely colours available too....British racing green, bright red, gold, baby blue, black, even bright yellow. Mine is a dark metallic blue colour (officially called Sapphire Blue). It has a gorgeous sparkle to it when the sun is shining, making it a really nice colour to look out for.

**INTERIOR**

Inside, the layout of the beautifully moulded dashboard is simple but completely adequate. I would describe it as having a minimalistic look to it. Everything is perfectly positioned for ease of use and there is a reassuring feeling of sturdiness.

There are no surprises as to the content of the cabin...just the usual dials: speedo, rev counter, oil pressure, water temperature, and most importantly, the fuel gauge. Standard controls are also included for features such as the heaters (you will find air conditioning on some used models) and heated rear window.

The horn is positioned in the centre of the steering wheel for easy access. The lights/indicator arm is situated to the left, and wiper arm to the right of the steering wheel.

The gear knob is small but perfectly formed! Its just the right shape and size. You can even rest your arm on the centre console/arm rest whilst comfortably changing gears. This lockable centre console is handy for storage and is home to a couple of cup holders and also the boot and petrol cap release levers.

On some models more storage space is situated behind the seats. There is a mesh pocket that runs the full width of the car at shoulder level. This is great for holding items such as maps.

** SPACE **

Being a two seater convertible, the amount of cabin space available is understandably limited. For someone such as myself who is quite small in proportion, there is ample room. On the other hand, my husband is 6 foot 3 inches tall and weighs nearly 18 stone. Needless to say he find the cabin to be a bit cramped!

With regards to boot space....I would describe it as resembling an over-sized glove box! This can be quite a big factor to consider, depending on what you would plan to use the car for. Although I have not actually tried, you would probably be hard pushed to even fit an item such as a large suitcase in there. It may be very small in capacity but I can fit my weekly load of shopping in so it doesn't cause any problems for me.

** THE DRIVE **

Turn the key in the ignition and you hear the gorgeous purr of the 1.6 litre, 16V engine. This model is by no means a high performance vehicle but can impressively deliver 0-60 mph in approximately 9.4 seconds. With a modest 110 bhp and a top speed of 119 mph, this MX-5 is certainly a fast mover. For those of you wanting that extra kick, a 1.8 litre version is available.

What a pleasure to drive!!

Road handling is supple and absolutely superb. It really hangs onto the road when going round corners.The power steering is perfectly weighted meaning you can direct the car with ease. The 5 speed manual gear box provides smooth, precise gear change and the clutch control is nice and responsive too, making the MX-5 such an easy car to drive.

As well as being great to drive, it is also an economical car. Fuel consumption isnt overly high and therefore making it fairly cheap to run. Totally affordable!

The seats in the MX-5 are quite firm but they are still remarkably comfortable. In a sense, the firmness adds to the stability that you feel while driving. They also slide and recline to create your ideal driving, and passenger position.

I have also found that the car fares well over the increasing number of speed bumps that are popping up on our roads. This is something that I thought could possibly cause a problem but I can honestly say that it is no more inconvenient or uncomfortable than when driving a 'normal' car, although you do need to reduce your speed a little bit more because of the low level of the vehicle.

It certainly is a low level car, which also means that it is low to get in. I wouldn't even attempt to get my gran in/out! Whilst driving, you do feel really low down in comparison to other cars on the road.....and next to lorries on the motorway, it is daunting at first to say the least! You soon become accustomed to the driving level though and go on to have many happy driving experiences.

And its all even better with the top down!......

** THE ROOF **

.....This is when I am in my element - enjoying the MX-5 as it was intended, with the wind in my hair and a huge smile on my face!

Most MX-5s have a manual soft top (a detachable hard top is available - great for winter weather!) but it is very easy to take down and put back up. There are two latches inside the car, one on either side near the passenger and driver sun visors. These just unclip to release the roof so it can be gently lowered back, without even having to set foot out of the car. It takes about 10 seconds at the most - even less if you have got a passenger to help.

The torneau cover is not quite as simple though. This is the cover which is supplied to protect the roof when it is folded back. It takes a while to get the hang of how and where it fits but it is definitely advisable to use it, especially when you know that the roof will be down for a long period of time. It keeps the inside of the roof clean and free from the dust that is kicked up by passing traffic.

Having the roof down while you drive through the countryside with the sun shining.....absolute bliss. A word of warning though, don't forget the suncream!!

** SAFETY AND SECURITY **

The MX-5 does have some safety features...air bags are included, as are seatbelt pretensioners. ABS brakes are also standard. These power assisted brakes adjust automatically through normal use.

As for security, most models will be fitted with an immobiliser that is activated/deactivated by the key itself. Be aware that not all MX-5s will have an alarm included so shop around if you want to keep your car insurance down.

** ACCESSORIES **

A vast amount of accessories are available to customise the MX-5. Items such as chrome trims, roll bars and front grilles can be added to give subtle enhancements and make your car unique. Anybody interested should check out www.mx5parts.co.uk, where you will find everything you could possibly need.

** OVERALL **

In my opinion, both the interior and exterior of the MX-5 oozes quality and sophistication.

It is a simple, straight forward and very reliable sports car that doesn't need any specialist attention to keep it on the road.

In the past, I have only felt what I would describe as indifference towards the cars that I have owned. But this is different.....I love this car with a passion!

But, because of its size, the MX-5 is obviously lacking in certain practicalities. So, with the prospect of starting a family, I am sadly and reluctantly waving goodbye to my stunning roadster.

** THE FUTURE **

I hear that another re-style is in the pipeline for the MX-5. I have read that a concept car has been created for Tokyos motor show. The UK launch of this new look is expected to be towards the end of 2005, with one new feature being the rear Mazda badge doubling up as a third brake light!

I am eagerly awaiting this new version but lets just hope that Mazda haven't gone too far over the top and created a car which is too far removed from the MX-5 that we know and love.

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

I needed a new car so went around checking out what to buy. I somehow ended up at a Japanese import place (xoticar.co.uk) with the idea I wanted a Subaru Impreza Turbo. Sadly they didn't have any in stock. But what did catch my eye was a rather snazzy Eunos Roadster - the Jap equivalent of the UK's MX5. Black, with a tan leather interior on a K plate with 34000 miles on the clock for £5500! Not bad. But still it's a ladies car and I'm a 6ft bloke who doesn't want to look a pansy so I thought nah. Then my girlfriend said 'well sit in it at least' and that's where it started. The MX5 is a dream to sit in. Everything is comfortable and within reach. The dashboard layout is amazingly simple and yet has everything you could want. The gear lever is perfectly placed so that with your arm on the armrest you can change gears with ease. The steering wheel is the perfect size and generally the seats are very comfortable. With it being a Japanese car it had a few extras that the UK models don't have, such as air-conditioning, silver cast speakers covers in the footwells and best of all speakers in the headrests which are an awesome idea. Also it has a rear brake light mounted in the boot - not an option in the UK until a lot later. So I thought that I may as well take it for a test drive - this is where the real shock came in. Pulling away I noticed how fantastically smooth the gearbox was - this is on an 8-year-old car. The steering was so perfectly weighted that getting the car to change direction was simplicity itself. Powerwise the car was awesome - something I didn't expect. Its not supercar territory by any stretch of the imagination, but what it does have is a ridiculously high power-to-weight ratio. Okay quick physics lesson. Thought the car only has a 1.6 engine pushing out 115 bhp, it also has very little weight, hence the car is pulling not very much meaning it strains the eng ine less to get it moving and the power is used to propel you forward with some speed. I was truly impressed with the speed of the 1.6. What should be remembered though is that this was a 'pre-cat' car and as such the performance was excellent. Post 94 cars had a cat put in to reduce emissions and are somewhat slower as they lose approximately 10bhp which is very noticeable when you drive them. On the road the car is excellent. I thought it would be light and unable to cope with high speed. I was wrong. The car is very sure footed with the wheels sticking like glue to the road. Overtaking is easy with the power, and the car doesn't feel as if its gonna fall apart when you go over bumpy roads - a common flaw in many convertibles. As there is no roof some cars are liable to flexing as the chassis isnt strong enough to cope with the extra strain placed on it. The MX5 doesn't have this problem at all. The roof was a concern to me, I though that as it wasn't electric it would be a hassle. Wrong again. It was as easy as anything to do, unclip 2 little buckles and push it back, 5 secs maximum. The roof mechanism can be a little heavy when lifting, but ladies shouldn't fear because only minimal effort is required to cover yourselves when the rain starts. One concern I did have when the roof was down was that there would be a lot of wind noise, once again I was wrong (them developing here?). The noise is slightly high, but with the wind deflector in place its fine. It's similar to driving a normal car with the windows open. What the car gives you that no other can is a smile. That's why you see people driving MX5's smiling, they are happy. Its so good to drive you cant help but be happy behind the wheel. If you don't believe me go test drive one - then try to justify all the reasons behind a convertible being impractical for you - and I guarantee that you will think 'sod it' and proba bly buy the car! All in all the car surprised the hell out of me ? but I didn't buy it?. Well I was going to until my girlfriend started saying how much she loved the car . Basically she guilt-tripped me into letting her buy it which she did. The car is still as great to drive today as it was when we first got it at the beginning of summer. Ill let you know how winter fairs. Okay, so you've read the review and think 'Wow this is so positive'. There are some downsides however. AS I mentioned above the car is an MX5 in everything but name. It's made I the same factory as the UK cars, has the same engine and is just as fun. The benefits are that the car loads cheaper then the UK equivalent, but the negative are that the insurance costs are lots higher. Because it was an import the best insurance we got was £732, for a UK car the insurance was only £350 - less then half. I think its disgusting but that's another opinion. Best bet is to ring round a few places before buying the car. Mazda built the MX5 on the old Lotus Elan concept of a 2-seater roadster. The car has won pretty much every award going with its simplistic design and fantastic handling. The newer spec models have changed somewhat as EC laws have killed of the MX5's in-famous pop-up headlights. When comparing the MX5 and the Eunos there are a few differences. Firstly the Eunos has a higher spec. The UK models are very basic because Mazda could sell them anyway. In Japan things are difference with the manufacturers needing to impress the audience. Look out for V Spec machines with leather interiors and better interiors. Externally the only 2 differences between the cars is that he Jap cars have a brake light mounted in the boot, and a square number plate - that's it! Nothing else? apart form a lower price of course! As for parts, all the UK and Jap cars are the same, and call to a local Mazda dealer will confirm t his. If you are really lucky they may even be willing to service the import for you - ours does. All in all I recommend the car whole-heartedly to anyone - especially those who think it's a 'woman's car'.. Have a drive and it will change your opinion instantly.

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

Mazda what did you do back in 1989? You revlolutionised the sports car market and made all the other manufacturers sit up and take notice. In 1992 and 1993 they released the SE, a limited edition run of the Mk1 MX5 with a few tasty bits thrown in for good measure. The basics were already there, the sweet 1.6 fuel injected 116bhp engine, near perfect weight distribution, drop dead gorgeous body and a soft top. Mazda just enhanced this with massive 15 inch alloys sitting on wide, wide 215/45/15 rubber, ABS (very rare) and of course Black paintwork and Tan leather interior. add to this a wood & chrome steering wheel, wood kit, PAS, EW and Electric Aerial they were onto a winner. Only about 200 of the 92 SE's were made, approx 150 of the 93's which adds to their rareity today. Ok, the boot's not great, but compared to a MR2 at least you can get a decent sized bag in it for a weekend away! Fun in the Sun, Fun in the Grey, Fun all year round - my advice - GO AND BUY ONE TODAY

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

I have a gorgeous MX-5 and have no complaints at all. I have found the insurance to be less than the Saab 900 I was previously insuring and the petrol consumption is pretty impressive too. My Mazda is Laguna Blue and is a real eye-catcher even though she is a 1994 model. Unlike Jules, I have found my Mazda to be a smooth runner cruising beautifully at 70-80mph effortlessly along the highways and just as smoothly through the country lanes. Being low to the ground, she feels like she hugs the bends and corners beautifully. The one disadvantage I have found is that being low to the road she can get caught on things on the crown of the road, or on dirt tracks! I have found the boot space although not cavernous, to be quite satisfactory for daily use even accomodating the weekly shopping trips, but agree that it may prove rather compact for weekend trips where a suitcase needs to be stored. Perhaps that is where the Mazda's boot rack is useful. She is also a great car for around town, being compact and easy to park.

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

i've always adored the visually stimulating appearance of the mx5, until last year that is... mazda changed everything about this fantastic, sporty number i liked - and called it a birthday present!??? like going for breast augmentation and coming out with ankle implants, methinks! the door handles are no longer shapely and aesthetically pleasing or ergonomically well formed. the doors don't even sound as satisfyingly `solid' when they are shut, just unsubstantial and tinny. the wing mirrors no longer have visible ball jointing... they're virtually the same as every other new car on the road. the frog-eye headlights; my most favourite of favourite of it's distinguishing features. o.k., so they look like revamped e-type headlights but, i'm afraid on the mx5, headlights maketh the car!!! all for the sake of the american market, i'm led to believe, not on hearsay, but from dealerships. i drive a silver, k reg and love it to bits... one day, we'll be at the mx5 owners club rallies, but these new ones... no character, no way!

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

OK so I admit that as far as sports cars go the MX-5 has a few faults… sure it does not have the pulse racing looks and feel of a ferrari, the curves of the boxster or even that special made at home raw power of the TVR but lets face it the MX5 just isn't and does not pretend to be that sort of car. It's a pure simple good fun machine, just about hard enough and low enough to the ground to give the sensation of a sports car but with the reliability, low cost and ease of handling that your would expect from Mazda. The only real disadvantages are the boot space and the un-comfortableness of long motorway journeys (much eased by a hard top though!). Getting the top down takes a matter of seconds and is very simple. All in all you will have many hours of fun burning along country lanes or basking in the sun in a traffic jam in town! Mazda should market the car as a stress relief product as no matter how bad the jam gets and how much tempers start to flare all you have to do is whip the top down! So go on .... ignore the image and give the MX5 a go ... it's sporty curves will be with us for a long time to come and will soon make it a modern day classic but more reliable than the spitfire or MG of old!